Understanding Autism

Autism is not an illness—it’s a different way of experiencing the world. Here is everything you need to know, simplified.

What Is Autism?

🌟 Autism is not an illness—it's a different way of experiencing the world.

💪 Strengths

  • ✓ Attention to detail
  • ✓ Deep focus
  • ✓ Honesty
  • ✓ Creative thinking

🎯 Challenges

  • • Sensory processing
  • • Social communication
  • • Routine changes
  • • Different for everyone

✨ Core Characteristics often include:

💬
Social Communication

Unique ways of connecting • May use AAC devices

🎯
Special Interests

Deep focus • Sources of joy & expertise

🤲
Stimming

Self-regulation • Healthy & natural

👂
Sensory Sensitivities

Lights • Sounds • Textures

💡 Remember: Autism is lifelong and cannot be "cured." However, with understanding, support, and appropriate interventions, autistic individuals can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

Early Signs by Age

📋Based on M-CHAT-R & ISAA screening tools
👶 0–12 Months
  • ⚠️Does not respond to their name by 9 months consistently.
  • ⚠️Avoids or has limited eye contact while being fed or held.
  • ⚠️Does not babble ("ma-ma", "ba-ba", "da-da") by 12 months.
  • ⚠️Does not point to show interest (e.g., pointing at a toy) by 12 months.
  • ⚠️Shows little interest in interactive games like peek-a-boo.
🧒 12–24 Months
  • ⚠️Delayed speech or losing words they used to say (regression).
  • ⚠️Lack of "joint attention" (doesn't look where you point or follow your gaze).
  • ⚠️Does not engage in pretend play (e.g., feeding a doll, talking on a toy phone).
  • ⚠️Prefers to play alone and shows little interest in other children.
  • ⚠️Unusual reactions to sounds, textures, or lights (covering ears, avoiding touch).
🎒 2–5 Years
  • ⚠️Plays alone; minimal interest in other children or parallel play only.
  • ⚠️Gets extremely upset by minor changes in routine or environment.
  • ⚠️Repeats phrases (echolalia) without context or understanding.
  • ⚠️Intense, narrow interests (e.g., only playing with wheels, watching the same video repeatedly).
  • ⚠️Difficulty understanding or expressing emotions, or unusual emotional responses.
⚠️

Important Note

These are potential signs, not a diagnosis. If you notice multiple signs, consult a professional.

✓Early intervention makes a difference
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Myths vs Facts

🔍Separating truth from misinformation
Myth
"Vaccines cause autism."
Fact
NO. Extensive research by WHO, ICMR, and CDC shows no link between vaccines and autism. The original study claiming this link was retracted and debunked. Vaccines save lives and do not cause autism.
Myth
"Autistic children don't feel love or emotions."
Fact
Autistic children feel deeply and love intensely. They may express affection differently (e.g., proximity instead of hugs, special interests shared with you, or acts of service). Their emotional world is rich and valid.
Myth
"Autism can be cured with special diets or therapies."
Fact
Autism is not a disease and cannot be "cured." It's a neurotype. However, evidence-based therapies (OT, Speech, ABA when done ethically) can help develop skills and reduce challenges. Beware of "miracle cures"—they don't exist and can be harmful.
Myth
"All autistic people are the same or have savant abilities."
Fact
The spectrum is vast. Some autistic people are non-speaking, others are highly verbal. Some have intellectual disabilities, others are gifted. Some have savant abilities, most don't. Each person is unique. "If you've met one autistic person, you've met one autistic person."
Myth
"Bad parenting causes autism."
Fact
This harmful myth from the 1950s has been completely debunked. Autism is neurobiological and has genetic components. Parenting style does not cause autism. Supportive parenting, however, can help autistic children thrive.

Diagnosis Process in India

📋What to expect
1

Initial Screening (M-CHAT-R/ISAA)

Usually done by a regular Pediatrician or at a well-child visit. These are quick checklists (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised or Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism) to see if further evaluation is needed. Takes 10-15 minutes.

📋 What to bring: Your child's vaccination records, any previous reports, and a list of concerns.

2

Comprehensive Evaluation

Done by a Developmental Pediatrician or Clinical Psychologist trained in autism assessment. This includes:

  • • Direct observation of your child (play, communication, behavior)
  • • Detailed parent interview (developmental history, concerns)
  • • Standardized tools like ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) or CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale)
  • • May include speech-language and occupational therapy assessments

⏱️ Duration: Typically 2-3 sessions over 1-2 weeks.

3

Diagnosis Report & Next Steps

You'll receive a detailed report with the diagnosis (if confirmed), severity level (if using DSM-5), and recommendations for interventions. The report is essential for:

  • • Applying for Disability Certificate (UDID)
  • • School accommodations and IEP
  • • Accessing government schemes (Niramaya, ADIP)
  • • Insurance claims

Cost & Time Expectations

🏥 Private Centers

  • • Cost: ₹3,000–₹15,000 (varies by city and center)
  • • Wait time: 1-4 weeks for appointment
  • • Duration: 1-3 sessions
  • • Pros: Faster, more personalized, detailed reports

🏛️ Government Hospitals

  • • Cost: ₹100–₹500 (nominal fees)
  • • Wait time: 2-6 months for appointment
  • • Duration: 2-4 sessions
  • • Pros: Affordable, expert doctors (AIIMS, NIMHANS, etc.)

💡 Tip: Many parents start with a private evaluation for speed, then use the report to access government benefits.

Find Diagnosis Centers Near You